Trazodone's antidepressant and sedative effects are generally attributed to a combination of actions: antagonism of 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C serotonin receptors, weak inhibition of serotonin reuptake at the SERT transporter, antagonism of histamine H1 receptors (contributing to drowsiness), and antagonism of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors (contributing to the drop in blood pressure some people notice on standing up).
Mechanism of action
Also called: MOA
The biological process by which a drug produces its effects in the body — for trazodone, this centers on serotonin receptor blockade, weak serotonin reuptake inhibition, and antihistamine/alpha-1 blocking activity.